Posted on 6/15/2024 by DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care
Regarding dental health, keeping a healthy and white smile may depend on knowing the difference between stains and cavities. Both conditions negatively impact the way your teeth look, but they have quite different origins, ways to prevent them, and ways to treat them.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity, sometimes called dental caries or tooth decay, is the result of prolonged exposure of teeth to acids produced by bacteria in the plaque that builds up on your teeth. The enamel, the hard outer coating of the tooth, begins to erode due to these acids. Untreated cavities can result in a very painful toothache, infection, or even tooth loss. Holes in your teeth, soreness when you bite down, and sensitivity to sweet, spicy, or cold meals and beverages are all typical of cavities.
What Is a Stain?
Generally speaking, stains are cosmetic and change the color of your teeth. They are usually caused by smoking, ingesting particular foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, and red wine), or not brushing enough. Stains might be yellow, brown, or even greyish in appearance. They do not hurt like cavities.
Treatment and Prevention
Keeping up proper oral hygiene with daily flossing, brushing at least twice a day, and routinely seeing your dentist for cleanings and checkups will help to prevent cavities. Additionally, fluoride treatments are suggested to strengthen the enamel. Together with routine professional cleanings, good oral hygiene is essential to stain prevention and removal. Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening treatments for deeper stains; these can be done professionally in-office or at home using specially designed trays.
Take Action for Your Dental Health
Make an appointment with our dentist now if you are worried about stains ruining your smile or if you are exhibiting any signs of a cavity. Frequent dental examinations not only maintain the condition of your teeth and gums but also shield you from future issues. Never forget: A healthy grin is a lovely smile!
About | Dentist Spring Hill, FL | DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi We here at O'Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Click to learn more about us! DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care - Dr. James DeLuca DMD, Dr. Nick Ressel DMD, 3429 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 | (352) 666-9898 | springhilldentist.com | 10/10/2024 | Tags: dentist spring hill fl |
Regarding dental health, keeping a healthy and white smile may depend on knowing the difference between stains and cavities. Both conditions negatively impact the way your teeth look, but they have quite different origins, ways to prevent them, and ways to treat them.